Container cargo, shown above at the Port of Tampa's terminal facilities, could come to a standstill if there is a strike.

Wake up and good morning. A strike is looming at the Port of Tampa, one of 15 East Coast ports facing stalled talks between shipping companies and dock workers little more than a week before a contract expires Dec. 29. The International Longshoremen's Association represents 14,5000 workers at those 15 ports.

Some companies dependent on shipping in and out of ports may be vulnerable to financial damage and in some cases could face bankruptcy if the strike materializes and lasts.

The cruise ship business will not be affected. Nor will perishable cargo with a limited shelf life. The other ports in Florida that could be hit by strikes are Miami, Jacksonville and Port Everglades. Read more in this AP story.

The contract dispute and potential strike come at a key time at the Tampa port. Paul Anderson (photo, right) was officially named CEO of the Tampa Port Authority with the port board approving his $350,000 annual salary in a three-year deal. Read the details in this Tampa Bay Times story.

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Tampa Bay business news and insights are brought to you each day by business columnist Robert Trigaux and his fellow business writers. Venture provides an inside look at Tampa Bay companies as well as events, people, deal, triumphs and failures across the Tampa Bay economy.